Vegan? Why not. I can do that (I think…)

If there’s one thing to be said about me it’s that I’m super competitive, I’m pretty sure I’ve pulled numerous muscles trying to out-compete ACTUAL athletes, I’ve entered into “splits” competitions with a gymnast before… Needless to say, my groin muscle has never been the same.

This background info because as the title of this post suggests, I was (kind of) challenged into going vegan for January… Or rather my housemate was and I decided to tag along for the ride (not to be out done, especially not where a challenge involves food).

I’m not sure how good I’ll be or if I’ll learn anything but that’s why I’m taking you along for the ride… And extending the challenge to those that feel they’re up to it.

What I do know is that according to film maker Robert Kenner (Cowspiracy) and Leonardo Di Caprio (yes, THE Leo Di Caprio, the one and only titanic star) I will save:

– 5000 litres of water

– 20 kgs of grain

– 4 kgs of carbon dioxide emissions

– 1 animals life

PER DAY!

So this entire month (discounting the first day as you’ll hear below) I will save approximately:

– 150,000 litres of water

– 600 kgs of grain

– 120 kgs of carbon dioxide emissions

– 30 animals lives

If that isn’t a good reason to try this challenge then I don’t know what is.

If you’re a regular reader it may not surprise you to hear I slipped up on the first day (on numerous occasions I have publicly professed my love of cheese), but my resolve is to do better; and besides, surely a hangover after New Years Eve is not a legitimate time to give up eggs on buttery toast in your fry up. I skipped lunch but did have Mexican for dinner also… Which included 2 mini fish tacos and a host of other things which had cheese… I did feel better that Wahaca promises on their menu that the ingredients are all sourced locally and from sustainable sources. BUT there is no question that I failed on the first day and I’ll be the first to admit it.

Today is day two, I’ve not currently eaten anything, not because I don’t want to but because I stuffed in so much Mexican food last night that I had a mini spew in my mouth on the walk (read: waddle) home, and haven’t been able to fit anything else in since.

What I’ve learnt thus far:

Eggs are used in the wine production process… I knew this already but thought it was an interesting piece of information. I’ve since found out from a vegan friend that they’re only mostly used in red wine so nearly all white wine is vegan friendly.

What I think I’ll find tough:

No butter, there is no substitute as far as I’m concerned, I’m just not a “marg” person. I’m also a little scared that I’m going to try to use avocado instead; and avo with jam for breakfast seems a little strange even to me.

Obviously eating out. I foresee a lot of Asian food in my January.

Cheese. This needs no explaining. I love cheese.

Please join me on my foray into veganism for the month, if not for anything else then just for the social experiment to see what it’s like. I’ll post an update at the end… Or if you’re feeling really kind you can check in on me as I go on twitter: @farmtoface1